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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants, written and illustrated by Philip Bunting. Crown Books, Penguin Random House. 2020. $25.99 ages 5 and up


"Just as we live in groups (like families, schools, or
cities), ants exist as part of their colony. They rely
on other ants to gather food, build the nest, and
raise the next generation of baby ants. In turn,
each little ant does its best for those around it, 
rather than for itself.
"

It's finally spring, and there are ants ... and more ants. Just as Mr. Bunting shows readers on the first spread of this terrific book about said annoyances. He is quick to share that there are 10 quadrillion ants!  That's 10, followed by 9 zeros ... no, a page turn shows it is 10, followed by 15 zeros, and they all inhabit our planet! 

"If you weighed all those ants, 
they would weigh the same as 
all the humans in the world.

Roughly."

With each new page, readers learn more and more about ants: what they love and do not love, that they live in colonies started by 'one queen-to-be', the mating ritual, and the laying of many tiny eggs which eventually hatch to become a new colony. A cross-section allows a clear look at one colony and its many inhabitants. The ants' jobs are immediately categorized into five groups. each having an important role to play in the success of the colony. The comparison to humans affords young readers a way of connecting with the ants. 

This engaging information continues from page to page, offering a very clear, and often humorous, guide for those kids who love knowing all they can about the world and its creatures. Wordplay is abundant and holds attention throughout. Readers will be impressed by the expressive illustrations, done mainly by changing the  look in an ant's eyes.  

Great graphic illustrations, humor in the telling, and a chance to learn about the many incredible characteristics of these tiny creatures make this an exceptional read. There is much to learn from ants when we share this book, including: 

"Leave the Earth 
in better shape
than it was when 
you got here
."                                                                            


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